I only knew him from afar but for the last fifty years I heard his name spoken often becausehe had read in schools or churches to children. I saw his poems over the years and loved thebrutal honesty with which he addressed his own failings. He also captured the local settings invery true ways and used humor to full advantage. There is no question he stood apart and wasa true poet. I met Ric and Billie Barbara a few years ago at a reading and felt I had known themfor years. They were such warm and friendly people. It makes you realize how great the gift ofpoetry is.